Submitted by Ashlee Autore on the 2018 winter session program in Barbados sponsored by the Department of Geography…
One of the most exciting events we did this week was go to the horse races. It’s a big event, with seven horse races throughout the day and food trucks set up around the stands. Getting there early gave us great seats so we could be close to the horses and jockeys. Some people would even fight for seats and jump at the chance to sit closer. In the middle of the field the track surrounded were several flags from neighboring countries. Originally, some of us thought those countries had special ties with the horse races, but that seemed to not be it. We still aren’t too sure why those specific flags were up. As the races went on, something I noticed, and appreciated, was that the jockeys were all Bajans, meaning it’s truly part of their culture. Although, there didn’t seem to be too many Bajans sitting in the stands. Of course, a lot of attendees were betting and really getting into it. We all made fake bets, some real, and my horse did win a couple times. Attached are pictures of the flags at the race and horse #13, Firecracker, who came in second for one of the races.
